The August 2025 Southwest Florida housing market continues to adjust as higher inventory levels, slower pending sales, and elevated interest rates reshape the playing field for both buyers and sellers. In this month’s Future of Real Estate Update, Brett Ellis of the Ellis Team at Keller Williams breaks down what the numbers really mean for Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lee County homeowners.


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Key Market Insights – August 2025

  • Pending Sales: Down 9.6% year-over-year, showing softer buyer demand.

  • Inventory: Active listings remain 26% higher than last year, though some sellers are pulling homes off the market due to pricing.

  • Median Home Price: Now $375,000, down 5.1% from last year.

  • Average Home Price: $482,249, down 6.9% year-over-year.

  • Closed Sales: Down 2.4%, dipping below 2019 and 2024 levels.

  • New Pending Sales: Down 3%, reflecting the drag of higher interest rates.


What This Means for Sellers

If you’re considering selling, timing is everything. Many homeowners pulled listings when prices weren’t favorable. But as soon as interest rates ease—potentially this fall—those same sellers may flood back into the market.

Advice for Sellers: Beat the rush. Listing before October could help you avoid competing with 20–30% more homes later in the year.


What This Means for Buyers

Buyers currently hold strong negotiating power. Prices are softer, insurance costs are trending downward, and sellers are more open to concessions.

Advice for Buyers: Lock in today’s pricing and concessions. If rates drop, you can refinance later. If rates rise, you’ve secured today’s lower rate. It’s a no-lose scenario.


Bottom Line

  • Sellers: Act now before inventory surges again.

  • Buyers: Don’t wait for perfect conditions—leverage today’s market while you still can.

The Ellis Team has consistently outperformed the broader market by combining data-driven strategies with innovative marketing. Whether you’re buying or selling in Fort Myers, Cape Coral, or Lee County, our family team is here to help you succeed.


✅ Next Steps

Governor Sarah Palin visited SW Florida today and talked about truth in campaigns and presented the Republican version.  Governor Palin told how Barack Obama is proposing $1 Trillion dollars in new spending at the same time he is promising tax cuts for 95% of the public.  Obviously unfunded spending will not allow for tax cuts, so in her opinion Barack Obama isn’t being truthful with the American people.

Before Governor Palin took the stage several candidates took the stage, including Sherriff Mike Scott and state Senator Nick Thompson. Brett Ellis met with Sheriff Mike Scott and Senator Nick Thompson before Governor Palin took the stage.

Brett Ellis Sheriff Scott Florida State Senator Nick Thompson Sarah Palin Rally

 

The News Press asked local business leaders how their Mom has influenced them in life and business.

Here was my response:

"My mother not only brought me into this world, she also brought me into the real estate business.  She taught me everything I need to know growing up, and everything I needed to get started in real estate.

 
Learning from the Top Agent in Lee County was invaluable.  She taught me when to speak up, when to be silent, and most of all, how to treat people.  I learned this at age 5, 12, 18, and every step along the way.  It wasn’t a one-time lesson, it is an all-time lesson.
 
My mother never settled for half results.  Her motto was intend do it right the first time or stay home.  We all make mistakes, and when you do, pick yourself up and move on.  The difference between good people and great people is the speed at which they rise from adversity.  We didn’t have much time growing up to sulk about what we didn’t have or wished we had.  We just did, and we still do.
 
No mother could leave a better gift than what my mother has taught me."
The News Press condensed the quote so they can get several quotes in.  One correction, I am not the head of the team.  I am a partner with my Mother and Father.  My mother doesn’t just work on the team, she is the heart and soul of the team.